FSU Dance Marathon raises record-breaking total

Students helped make miracles for pediatric patients at UF Health Shands Children's Hospital during Dance Marathon at Florida State University, held Feb. 27 to March 1. A grand total of $1,100,645 was raised as more than 1,900 students stood for one of two 20-hour shifts throughout the weekend. Each time someone raised $100 to support pediatric patients, the sound of a gong echoed as a miracle balloon was hung.

This year's event marked and celebrated Dance Marathon’s 20th year on the FSU campus. Since its beginning, DM at FSU has raised nearly $6.4 million for Children's Miracle Network at UF Health Shands Children's Hospital.

National Pancake Day benefits UF Health pediatric patients

On March 3, eight area IHOP locations made miracles happen for kids during its 10th annual National Pancake Day. Patrons came out to enjoy a free short stack of pancakes, and were encouraged to make a donation to Children’s Miracle Network at UF Health Shands Children's Hospital. Several volunteers, including Miss Florida Gator, Miss University of Florida, firefighters from Ocala Fire Rescue and some of our RE/MAX corporate partners showed support at their local IHOPs. In addition, five CMN ambassador families greeted customers and flipped pancakes, as they shared their stories of how CMN has impacted their lives.

National Pancake Day wrapped up the six-week IHOP balloon campaign. Since beginning its National Pancake Day celebration in 2006, IHOP restaurants have raised $13 million to support charities in the communities in which they operate.

UF Health receives national Baby-Friendly designation

UF Health Shands Hospital has been awarded the Baby-Friendly designation by Baby-Friendly USA, a global initiative of the World Health Organization and UNICEF that recognizes birthing facilities that implement specific breastfeeding procedures.

The hospital is the only academic health facility in the state of Florida, the seventh hospital in the state of Florida and the only one in North Central Florida to successfully implement all the required standards for this designation, which will allow the staff to educate and encourage skills that result in successful breastfeeding.

The guidelines are intended to provide mothers with the information, confidence and skills necessary to successfully initiate and continue breastfeeding their babies or use formula safely.

The designation was awarded based on the outcome of a review of current practices at the hospital using an extensive set of criteriasuch as having and implementing a written standard that encourages breastfeeding, designating staff members to act as breastfeeding experts and ensuring that prenatal care includes education about the importance of breastfeeding.

The initiative encourages mothers and babies to stay together and in the same room for baths, during hearing tests and other practices that previously separated them. Read more

Bike Safety Tips

• Encourage children to wear properly fitted helmets when riding their bikes.

• Teach your kids to ride on the right side of the road, with traffic, not against it, and to use appropriate hand signals and respect traffic signals.

• Tell your kids to use bicycle lights when riding in the evening or early morning, and make sure their bikes have reflectors.

• Actively supervise children until you’re comfortable they are able to ride on their own.

To learn more about keeping your child safe and healthy this summer, join UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital and several community partners at our Bike Rodeo and Summer Safety Fair, presented by Kohl's. Kids can participate in interactive games, summer activities and a bicycle obstacle course. Remember to bring your childrens’ bicycles!